Because mirror-shine doesn’t come naturally to all of us
There was a time when “glossy hair” meant running a flat iron over your ends and hoping for the best. But in 2025? We’ve officially entered our glass hair era—and the stakes are higher (and shinier) than ever.
This isn’t just about having “healthy-looking” hair. Glass hair is the full fantasy: pin-straight strands with liquid shine and mirror-like smoothness. It’s the kind of hair that turns heads in a passing car window. Born from Korean hair trends and perfected by celebrity glam squads, it’s the ultimate statement—sleek, sharp, and seriously high-gloss.
Of course, not everyone’s working with super-long, damage-free hair—and that’s exactly where we come in. At The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, extensions are kind of our thing. We’ve helped thousands of women get the volume, length, and blend that takes a look from “cute” to cinematic. So yes, the glass hair trend is absolutely possible with extensions—when you’ve got the right ones.
If you’ve been eyeing this trend but weren’t sure your hair was up for the job, this is your moment. We're walking you through what it takes to get that silky, reflective finish—plus how to make it happen with extensions, without the STRESS.
What actually is glass hair (and why is everyone obsessed)?
Think of glass hair as the high-def version of your sleekest blowout. Do NOT mistake this for straight hair—it’s polished, uniform, light-catching, and so shiny it almost looks wet (in a very expensive way). It’s that ultra-reflective, silky finish you’ve seen on K-pop stars, red carpet royalty, and beauty TikTokers with suspiciously perfect lighting.
But it’s not just the shine—it’s the whole vibe. Hair that falls in flawless sheets. No flyaways. No frizz. No uneven texture. It’s minimalism, but for your strands.
The trend first caught fire thanks to the Korean hair care world—where shine equals health, and hair routines are just as layered (and sacred) as skincare. And like most K-beauty moments, it quickly made its way into Western glam culture. Now it’s everywhere from editorials to everyday errands—and extensions are helping more of us get the look than ever.
It’s become the beauty equivalent of a clean girl manicure: elegant, understated, and impossible not to notice. And the best part? It doesn’t require being born with naturally perfect hair. It just requires the right tools—and in some cases, a little extra length and volume from your fave Lauren Ashtyn Collection pieces (cough cough).
Why Korean hair trends made glass hair a thing
No surprise here: when it comes to anything beauty, Korea has been setting the pace for years. First, it was glass skin. Then came snail mucin serums, 10-step routines, and scalp care that reads like a spa menu. So when glass hair came onto the scene, it was less of a shock—and more of a "well, duh."
But what makes Korean hair care so next level is its obsession with health first, aesthetics second. It’s all about deep hydration, balanced scalp care, and gentle styling—things that naturally lead to shine, softness, and smooth texture. Instead of relying on constant heat or harsh products, the K-hair approach prioritizes masks, oils, and silkier tools. And that’s exactly what gave rise to glass hair: hair so healthy it reflects light.
We’re still obsessed because, let’s be honest, it works. It looks expensive. It feels luxurious. And it’s the kind of subtle flex that whispers, “I take care of myself”—without needing to say a word.
Plus, K-beauty never gatekeeps. It’s inclusive, playful, and all about elevating your real hair. So even if you’re using extensions or a topper (hi, we see you 👀), you can totally lean into the K-hair mindset. It’s not about chasing perfection, it’s about looking like you treat your strands with designer-level love.
What you actually need to pull off glass hair (products, tools + prep tips)
If you think glass hair is all about the flat iron… you’re kinda missing the point. The secret isn’t just heat—it’s prep. The right products and techniques set the stage before you even plug in your straightener. Here’s what your routine needs to be glass-hair approved:
A hydrating shampoo and conditioner
Start with moisture. Dry strands = dull strands. Look for formulas that add softness without weighing things down. Sulfate-free is your bestie here.
A smoothing or shine-boosting hair mask
Use it weekly to flood your strands with moisture and seal down the cuticle. That’s where the light-reflecting magic starts.
Heat protectant (always)
We’ll shout this from the rooftops: never skip this step. A good heat protectant prevents damage and locks in that glassy finish. We love anything lightweight and silicone-free for this look.
Blow-dry with tension (and the right brush)
A flat, sleek finish starts with your blowout. Use a boar bristle or paddle brush, and work in sections for max control.
A high-quality flat iron with even heat
It should glide—not tug. No hot spots. No burnt ends. Your iron should be doing the work for you, not fighting your hair.
Finishing serum or shine spray
The final cherry on top. Just a few drops of a smoothing serum or a mist of shine spray will give you that red carpet gleam without greasiness.
The trick? Build up the shine layer by layer. No one product will do it all—but together, they’ll have your hair looking like glass, even if you're working with heat-styled extensions.
What if my hair isn’t naturally smooth or long enough? Glass hair is still on the table, girl.
Let’s get one thing straight (pun fully intended): glass hair is not reserved for people with waist-length, damage-free strands. That’s a fantasy. Most of us are working with heat damage, frizz, breakage, or just hair that doesn’t quite cooperate with the whole “mirror-shine” thing—and that’s okay.
This trend isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a look. And yes, you can absolutely create that look with a little help.
That’s where our extensions and toppers step in—not as a cheat code, but as part of the routine. They’re just like your favorite shapewear or a great pair of heels: something you reach for when you want to level up the whole vibe.
At The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, we’ve seen this trend work on every hair type and texture. Our clip-in extensions and crown volumizers were made to be styled, smoothed, curled, and transformed. They’re lightweight, secure, and designed to blend like a dream—so no one will clock where your hair ends and your glassy goddess energy begins.
Even if your real hair has been through it (hello flat iron phase of 2016), we’ve got you. Our 100% Remy human hair pieces not only hold shine like a professional, but they also let you play with the length and fullness this trend really thrives on—without putting more stress on your natural hair.
So if you’ve ever scrolled past a glass hair tutorial thinking, “Ugh, my hair could never,”—think again. You don’t need naturally long, virgin strands. You just need the right support system (and maybe a high-shine serum or two).
How to style your extensions for glass hair (without killing the vibe… or the hair)
If you’re using extensions to nail the glass hair trend, you need a slightly gentler touch than you would with your natural strands. These pieces may be made from real hair (at least they are if you’re using The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, which—good choice), but they don’t have a scalp producing oils to rehydrate them. So your styling game has to be smart AND kind.
Here’s how to make them gleam like glass, the safe way:
Start by brushing out your extensions with a soft paddle or loop brush—gently. No yanking, no tearing. Then lightly mist with a heat protectant. This step is non-negotiable, especially if you’re going in with a flat iron. A good heat spray shields the hair while enhancing shine, and honestly, it just makes everything look more polished.
Blow-drying your extensions first helps set a super-smooth foundation. Use a round brush and aim your dryer downward (not side to side!) to flatten the cuticle and reduce frizz. Once everything’s dry, section off the hair and flat iron in small pieces, gliding slowly from root to tip. Low and slow wins the race.
The goal isn’t bone-straight—it’s that fluid, reflective finish that looks like light is bouncing off every strand. Finish with a few drops of a shine serum on the ends only. Think sleek, not oily.
Pro tip? Style your extensions before clipping them in if you’re working with pieces you haven’t blended yet. It’s easier on your arms and gives you more control over each section.
Keep the heat under 350°F, always. These pieces are an investment, so PLEASE treat them like the crown jewels that they are.
What to use after styling to lock in the glass hair glow
Okay—you’ve styled, smoothed, and shine-serumed your way to perfection. But keeping that slick, reflective finish? That’s where the real finesse starts. Glass hair isn’t just about how it looks the minute you put your flat iron down—it’s how it holds up hours later (and ideally, the next day too).
Here’s how to make it last longer than one mirror selfie.
Silk or satin pillowcase
Cotton pillowcases can rough up the cuticle and zap your shine overnight. Switch to silk or satin to reduce friction, frizz, and wake-up tangles.
Light touch-ups (not full re-styles)
No need to redo your whole routine every morning. Instead, smooth flyaways with a dab of serum or a pass of your flat iron on low heat. Quick. Easy. Effective.
Dry oil mist or shine spray mid-day
Humidity? Wind? Life? A few spritzes of a dry shine spray brings your glass hair back to life without making it oily. Bonus: it smells amazing, too.
Avoid overloading with products
Now that you’ve nailed the look, don’t ruin it by piling on more stuff. Stick with lightweight formulas and only apply where needed—usually mid-lengths and ends.
Brush strategically
Use a soft bristle or loop brush to detangle and re-smooth. Start at the ends and work your way up (always), especially if you’re wearing extensions.
Glass hair is part styling, part upkeep. But once you’ve built a good base (and your extensions are looking snatched), the maintenance becomes second nature.
How to care for your extensions post-glass hair
You did it! You’ve got the glass hair that’s giving silky, glossy, literal-reflection realness. But now your extensions are feeling the aftermath: a little dry, maybe a bit tangled, and not quite the bouncy beauties they were pre-flat iron. That’s totally normal. Even premium human hair extensions (like the ones we swear by here at The Lauren Ashtyn Collection) need a little post-glam TLC to stay soft, smooth, and glass-hair-ready for the next wear.
First up? Be gentle. Always. Start by removing your extensions carefully and brushing them out using a loop brush or wide-tooth comb. If you layered on product (which, same), it’s probably time for a light wash. But skip the instinct to scrub. Instead, use a sulfate-free shampoo and lukewarm water to rinse gently from mid-shaft to ends. No twisting, rubbing, or dunking. Just light downward motions.
Once clean, apply a hydrating conditioner or lightweight mask—especially if you used heat. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Again, we’re patting dry here, not wringing like a gym towel. Use a microfiber cloth, then lay flat to air dry or hit them with a cool blow-dry if needed.
One tip we love: store your extensions like the luxe investment they are. Don’t toss them on your dresser or into a random drawer. Keep them in a silk-lined bag or on a clip-in hanger to prevent tangling, dust, and dryness.
And yes—you can absolutely bring extensions back to glass-level glow. The key? Respect the hair. A little effort post-style goes a long way. Think of it like skincare for your strands. You wouldn’t sleep in your makeup. Don’t sleep on your extension care, either.
TL;DR: The glass-hair extension care checklist
Sometimes, a girl just needs a quick-and-dirty guide to keep her pieces in rotation. So here it is: the full-step breakdown for keeping your extensions, toppers, and custom pieces from The Lauren Ashtyn Collection in elite condition.
Wash (only when needed)
– Every 8–10 wears, or when product buildup happens
– Use cool water and sulfate-free shampoo
– Gently smooth product downward—no rubbing or tangling
– Avoid over-washing (your strands will thank you)
Deep condition regularly
– Use a lightweight, hydrating mask
– Focus on mid-lengths and ends
– Let sit for 10–15 minutes, rinse well
– Skipping this step? That’s how dullness creeps in
Dry the right way
– Never twist or wring
– Pat with a microfiber towel
– Air-dry whenever possible
– If blow-drying, keep it on low with a nozzle attachment
– Always detangle before styling
Protect against heat
– Apply a light, silicone-free heat protectant every time
– Flat iron on low to medium heat (under 350°F is ideal)
– Use high-quality plates—cheap tools = uneven heat = damage
– No overpassing. If you need three swipes, your iron’s not it
Store like it’s couture
– Lay flat or hang using a clip-in hanger
– Keep in a silk or satin bag to avoid frizz and static
– Never store wet
– Avoid sunlight, humidity, and tossing them into chaos
Refresh between wears
– A mist of shine spray, dry conditioner, or lightweight serum = magic
– Focus on the ends—don’t overload the roots
– Brush gently, working from the bottom up
Treat your pieces like the luxury they are, and they’ll keep showing up for you. Whether it’s your weekend hair topper or your everyday crown, that glassy, high-glam look is 100% sustainable with a little routine and a lot of love.
Want to shop the exact pieces that make this routine possible? Explore the full range of custom extensions and toppers here—because great hair doesn’t have to be natural, it just has to be you.
Final thoughts? Glass hair IS for everyone
You don’t need celebrity stylists or a full-glam team to pull off the glass hair trend—just the right tools and a little help from your favorite hair pieces. And while social media might make it seem like that high-gloss, K-beauty-level finish is only for the genetically blessed, we’re here to remind you: shine is a choice, babe.
With a solid prep routine, smart heat styling, and extensions that blend flawlessly into your real hair, the look is more than achievable—it’s repeatable. And when you’re working with The Lauren Ashtyn Collection, you’ve got the kind of quality that was literally made for mirror-shine moments.
So go ahead. Turn heads. Blind a hater or THREE. Your hair's about to reflect your light in every sense of the word, and we’re obsessed.
